On September 25, 2026, Tunisian Minister of Trade and Export Development Samir Obaid stated that work is underway to issue new legal texts to support the Ben Guerdan free trade zone project for commercial and logistics activities. The project aims to provide more flexibility and push the implementation process. Obaid made these remarks during a working session in Mednine to follow up on the project's progress and ways to advance its completion.
The upcoming phase is considered crucial, and a detailed and time-bound action plan will be implemented in the short, medium, and long terms. The minister emphasized the importance of evaluation and follow-up to ensure the project's success and overcome obstacles by coordinating between various stakeholders and defining roles. He also highlighted the role of local residents in investing in this strategic project, which aims to integrate border regions into the national economy and encourage youth to invest in vital sectors.
The Ben Guerdan free trade zone project spans 150 hectares and consists of customs-controlled areas for logistics operations, including exports, imports, and transit trade, which account for 70% of the zone's activity. The project also includes areas for commercial activities, wholesale and retail trade, and administrative and service activities. The minister stressed that the project will achieve goals with positive impacts on Tunisia and neighboring countries.
The project is one of the main components of the land corridor project that will connect Tunisia to several African countries, enhancing Tunisia's position as a commercial platform linking Africa to Europe. Mednine Governor Walid Tobboun highlighted the project's importance as an economic and logistics hub for Tunisia and a gateway to Libya and African markets. He emphasized the need for the next phase to be a decisive implementation phase.
Jamal Eddine Al-Fahm, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ben Guerdan Free Trade Zone project management unit, stated that the project is progressing at a good pace and is about to enter a new phase with a faster rhythm. The project has completed several stages, including the establishment of a management company and the preparation of a business plan. Al-Fahm added that the project will witness significant progress in the coming period.
Various stakeholders at the working session called for accelerating the project's implementation, considering it a priority project that requires greater momentum and coordination to start operations and achieve its employment and development goals. The project's progress has been slow due to the involvement of multiple stakeholders and requirements, necessitating coordination and a clear timetable.
The Ben Guerdan free trade zone project is expected to create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region. The project's implementation will be monitored and evaluated to ensure its success and address any challenges that may arise. Key stakeholders will work together to ensure the project's completion and its contribution to Tunisia's economic development.
Key points
- The project aims to integrate border regions into the national economy and encourage youth to invest in vital sectors.
- The project will create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.
- The project is a main component of the land corridor project connecting Tunisia to several African countries.
